alternative: meaning and definitions

One of a number of possible choices or courses of action: There are plenty of alternatives to conventional advertising. A choice or course of action that is mutually exclusive with another: The alternative to staying in that dead-end job is to quit. See Synonyms at choice.

A situation presenting a choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities: people facing the alternative of selling their homes or going bankrupt.

Being one of a number of possible choices or courses of action: The highway is closed. Seek alternative routes. Being one of two mutually exclusive choices or courses of action: How effective is the alternative treatment? Substitute or other: Several members of the audience provided alternative views on the topic.

Existing outside traditional or established institutions or systems: an alternative lifestyle; alternative energy. Espousing or reflecting values that are different from those of the establishment or mainstream: an alternative newspaper.